Retired MLB star Chipper Jones testing broadcasting

Apr. 2, 2013
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Chipper Jones, who retired from the Atlanta Braves last year after 19 seasons, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the team's season opener Monday at Turner Field against the Philadelphia Phillies. / Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports

by Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY Sports

by Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY Sports

Just-retired players who are famous, and who played ball with the media during their careers, have instant credibility as broadcasting prospects.

That fits Chipper Jones, the future Hall of Famer who retired in 2012 after batting .303 over 19 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He started a national on-air gig Tuesday. USA TODAY Sports has suggested Jones would be a good replacement for Tim McCarver, who's retiring as Fox's lead MLB analyst after this season, because Jones' low-key style is full of sharp wit.

But Jones told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday he's not all that keen on getting on-air roles, "and definitely not this season, because I want to stay close to home. I made some promises (to family) over the last couple years."

Plus, Jones says he's happy to take a break from baseball. "I'm not going to jump into anything full-bore for some time," he said. "I've been living out of a suitcase for 23 years in pro baseball and don't want to jump back into the lifestyle of coming and going every few days."

Jones, via the syndicated NBC Sports Radio that debuted this week, will do an hour show every Tuesday (1 p.m. ET) from his Georgia home. After his debut, he said he had "a good time. I couldn't really grade it."

Many former players or coaches say they want to get into broadcasting to remain a part of their sport. Jones, for now, says he doesn't feel that way. "I don't have the urge to be close to the game right now," he said. "... Until I get the urge to get in the game in some way, shape or form, I'm happy right now."